No trip to Iran would be complete without spending at least two or three days in the fabulous city of Isfahan and exploring its amazing attractions including the world-known Naqshe Jahan Square, stunning mosques, royal palaces, and lavish gardens mostly dating back to the Safavid Era (16th to 17th century). Apart from the monument, what makes Isfahan so famous is its rich culture, various handicrafts, and also the diverse cuisines that you can try in this city.
Here we are going to introduce some of the top restaurants in Isfahan and some cafés based on our personal experience and taste and also what our travelers have mentioned in reviews and feedbacks.
Shahrzad Restaurants
The Shahrzad Restaurant is one of the most famous and oldest restaurants of Isfahan which was opened more than 50 years ago. This restaurant has a stunning Qajarid building which was renovated by architecture masters of Isfahan. The stained glass windows, stucco works, and turquoise tiles, the great food especially its Baghali Polo and Mahiche, and the reasonable price of foods make it a popular restaurant among both locals and travelers. Shahrzad Restaurant is located in Chahar Bagh Street of Isfahan, which is one of the main streets and is close to Khaju Bridge, and Julfa District.
Shahrzad Restaurant - Isfahan, Iran
Azam Beryani Restaurant
When it comes to the traditional cuisines of Isfahan, what comes to mind first is Beryani. This food is a whole different thing from the Indian Biryani and is fried minced lamb meat served on a piece of Sangak bread and it is topped with chopped almond and some barberry. This food is very rich and fatty and is served as the main course. With four different branches in Isfahan, the Azam Beryani Restaurant serves one of the best ones in town and is known for using fresh and good ingredients and also for giving good services.
Azam Beryani Restaurant- Isfahan, Iran
Namakdan Mansion
This unique restaurant is a historical and traditional mansion located in Posht Matbakh neighborhood near the Naqsh-e Jahan Square. This restaurant has tables in the lovely courtyard and also inside the mansion which is decorated with antiques, and it serves homemade, fresh, and healthy Iranian foods that feel like a Persian mom’s nostalgic kitchen. After having your meal in Namakdan Restaurant you can sit at its café and enjoy this lovely atmosphere while sipping a good coffee.
Namakdan Restaurant - Isfahan, Iran
Simon Pavilion
Simon Pavilion is in the heart of the Armenian New Julfa District and is one of the newest restaurants of Isfahan that shouldn’t be missed. The mansion belonged to Mr. Simon an Armenian merchant who lived here in the 18th century and did a lot of charity works. The restaurant offers a diverse menu including Iranian cuisines, Arabian foods, and different side dishes, and also a breakfast menu with diverse delicious omelets.
Simon Pavilion - Isfahan, Iran
Naqshe Jahan Restaurant
With delicate tilework and woodworks, and stunning stained glass windows, the interior of the Naqshe Jahan Restaurant is an attraction itself. This lovely and atmospheric restaurant is located just beside the UNESCO listed Naqshe Jahan Square in Saraye Espadana, which is a famous part of the square, known as the house of artists where you can find wonderful handicrafts. Apart from good traditional food, what Naqshe Jahan Square offers to its guests is a lovely Persian atmosphere and the view of Sheikhlotfollah Mosque’s dome from its balcony. There is no table in this restaurant and the guests sit on beds for having food, which is a Persian traditional style.
Naqshe Jahan Restaurant - Isfahan, Iran
Azadegan Teahouse – Chah Haj Mirza
The Haj Mirza or Azadegan Teahouse (Chay Khaneh in Persian) has become one of the most famous places to eat in Isfahan, with a very rich history. Some believe that this tea house which use to be called Khasteh Khaneh (A house for tired people) is as old as the Naqshe Jahan Square. This teahouse is known for its very special decoration. Entering this teahouse, you will find all the walls and the ceiling covered with antique objects from pots and cups, to swords, lanterns, old black and white photos, etc. This traditional teahouse serves all three meals and also snacks, and herbal drinks. Here you can taste the exotic snack of Isfahan named Doogh (sour and salty yogurt drink) and Gooshfil (a very sugary pastry).
Azadegan Teahouse (Chah Haj Mirza) - Isfahan, Iran
Sharbat Khaneh Firouz
Now you can see many cafés in Isfahan which are known as Sharbet Khaneh (meaning: Sherbet House - beverage house), where you can drink Iranian beverages and herbal teas and have tasty homemade snacks like Dulma, soups, etc. Located in the heart of Julfa Armenian District, Sharbat Khaneh Firouz is a place that shouldn’t be missed. With its friendly and professional staff and its lovely and cozy design, you can sit here for an hour and two and enjoy its diverse menu.
Sharbat Khaneh Firouz - Isfahan, Iran
Turanj Food Complex (Hovan's House)
Toranj Restaurant is one of the top restaurants of Isfahan which has become so popular among travelers. This is a historical and fancy house situated in the heart of the New Julfa District right beside the Hovan's Church, which was renovated and changed into a restaurant in 2015. Just like other Qajarid houses of Isfahan, after passing a large wooden door and a long corridor, you'll see a vast courtyard and a large glorious mansion. The courtyard where food is served during summer and spring offers a very lovely atmosphere with a nostalgic atmosphere. Tahchin (rice cake with chicken), Koofteh Tabrizi, and DIzi are the foods that should be tried in this amazing restaurant. After having your meal you can have some herbal drinks and traditional desserts in the basement of the building which is changed into a lovely cafe.
Turanj Food Complex (Hovan's House) - Isfahan, Iran
